Rams and Bulldogs fans heading to Bleckpool for Summer Bash

Andrew Hunt

Dewsbury Rams and Batley Bulldogs fans could be heading to Blackpool next May as the RL Championship will stage a full round of matches at the seaside resort.

Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road will host a full round of Kingstone Press Championship fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24.

As well as three matches on each day, the Kingstone Press Championship Summer Bash will bring the same party atmosphere to Blackpool that Super League fans have enjoyed at Magic Weekends over the last few years with live music, a fanzone, social media interactions and on-pitch entertainment.

The Summer Bash is a new addition to the Championship calendar and has been introduced as part of the exciting league restructuring that will see the top two divisions each feature 12 clubs from 2015 onwards.

Blackpool staged the Northern Rail Cup finals between 2005 and 2012, including the Bulldogs famous triumph over Widnes in 2010, and the Summer Bash is expected to become a popular feature of the Championship calendar.

RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer said: “We are delighted to announce that the Kingstone Press Championship will head to Blackpool for the Summer Bash in 2015.

“The Summer Bash will be a fantastic addition to the new-look Championship and I am sure fans of all the clubs involved will embrace the concept and take the opportunity to spend a magical weekend at the seaside.

“With so much accommodation choice for every Rugby League fan over the Bank Holiday Weekend, Blackpool is the perfect destination for the Summer Bash.

The 2015 Kingstone Press Championship Summer Bash fixtures, and details of ticket prices and availability, will be announced later this year.